The mangala sutra's origin dates back to the 4th century BCE as Mangalasutra in Lalita Sahasranama,[2][3] even Purananuru a Sangam text mentions about a sacred marriage tail on women's neck.[4] Further also finds a mention in the 6th century CE as a single yellow thread was tied around the bride for protection from other men and evil spirits. The tying of the mangala sutra is a social practice widespread in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Overview
Mangala sutra literally means "an auspicious thread"[5] that is knotted around the bride's neck and is worn by her for the remainder of her marriage. It is usually a necklace with black beads strung from a black or yellow thread prepared with turmeric. Sometimes gold, white or red beads are also added to the mangala sutra, depending on regional variation. It is a symbol of marriage worn by women. The idea of sacred thread existed for centuries, even going back to the Sangam period. But the nature of these auspicious threads has evolved over time and varies widely according to various communities. Non-Hindu religious groups such as Syrian Christians also wear mangala sutra, but with a cross on it. There are many communities in India, among whom the mangala sutra seems to be absent, and other forms of marital tokens have taken their place. For example, in large parts of North India, the toe ring and glass bangles indicate the marital status of a woman.
Historian of Indian jewellery, Usha Balakrishnan, explains that the practice of ritualistically adorning the bride with a mangala sutra to solemnise marriage, is a modern concept, made possible due to marketing strategies of businesses. She also says that,
“There was no concept in ancient India of a marriage being solemnised through a mangala sutra as we know of it today with diamonds, pendants and the like,”[6]
The sacred ceremony of tying the mangala sutra
The concept of mangala sutra has evolved over centuries, and has become an integral part of marriages among several Indian communities.
Significance
The significance of the mangala sutra was re-iterated by Adi Shankara in his famous book Soundarya Lahari. According to Hindu tradition, the mangala sutra is worn for the long life of the husband. As told by religious customs and social expectations, married women should wear mangala sutra throughout their life as it is believed that the practice enhances the well-being of her husband. Bridal jewellery in ancient times also worked as a financial security against old age and widowhood, even though women did have property rights.[6][7]
In different languages
Tying the mangala sutra
It is called tali (தாலி) or mangalyam (மாங்கல்யம்) in Tamil, nuptial chain in English, thella (තැල්ල) in Sinhala, mongolsutro (মঙ্গলসূত্র) in Bengali, mangala sutra (मंगळसूत्र) in Marathi, mangalyasutra (ಮಾಂಗಲ್ಯ ಸೂತ್ರ), tali (ತಾಳಿ) in Kannada, and tali (తాళి), mangalyamu (మాంగళ్యము), mangalasutramu (మంగళసూత్రము) or pustelu (పుస్తెలు) in Telugu, tali (താലി) in Malayalam, Mangalasutra (ମଙ୍ଗଳସୂତ୍ର) in Odia, Konkani people (Goans, Mangaloreans, Bombay East Indians and others, including Hindus ) wear three necklaces around their necks, referred to as dharemani or muhurtmani (big golden bead), mangalasutra with one or two gold discs and kasitali with gold and coral beads. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions, the two coin-sized gold discs are separated by 2-3 beads of different kinds. By tradition, one disc comes from the bride's family and another from the groom's side.[8]
Designs
Mangala sutras are made in a variety of designs. The common ones are the Lakshmi tali worn by the Telugus of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, which contain images of Lakshmi, the goddess of auspiciousness, ela tali or minnu worn by the Malayalees of Kerala, and the Kumbha tali worn by the Tamils of the Kshatriya caste in Tamil Nadu. The design is chosen by the groom's family according to prevalent customs. Gujaratis and Marwaris from Rajasthan often use a diamond pendant in a gold chain which is merely ornamental in nature and is not a substitute to the mangala sutra in the traditional sense. Marathis of Maharashtra wear a pendant of two vati ornaments shaped like tiny bowls. The mangala sutra of the Kannadigas of Karnataka is similar to that of the Marathis, except that it usually has two vatis. Nowadays many fashion-conscious families opt for lighter versions, with a single vati or a more contemporary style.
